It has been two weeks since our class started. There have been numerous subjects introduced to us. And one of those subjects is networks and communications. Although I was very familiar with the basics of computer networking, it was kind of different to use software that visualized how they were connected. In addition, I am quite sad and disappointed with our professor because he was talking fast and, at some certain point, we had to record what he said.
The application we are using right now is what you call Cisco Packet Tracer. Cisco Packet Tracer is a powerful network simulation program that allows students to experiment with network behavior and ask "what if" questions. As an integral part of the Networking Academy's comprehensive learning experience, Packet Tracer provides simulation, visualization, authoring, assessment, and collaboration capabilities to facilitate the teaching and learning of complex technology concepts.
Cisco Packet Tracer's advantage is that it enables users to build networking simulations of various network topologies. It implies that you won't need to get numerous laptops or PCs for everything to work out for you. The Cisco Packet Tracer can complete the task without the use of real PCs or laptops. For those of us students who wish to learn networking, it is practical. I was still in the discovery phase, so I wasn't familiar with all the features.
It appears to be simple to make based on the image. Yes, you're correct. But it took me a while to put this overall structure together because I was also considering the topology I should use and how I would work with each switch individually. You can see the WAN Router at the top (wide area network router). In essence, it serves only to link the router to the modem. It has a link to the LAN router (local area network router). In my network, there are two switches: the main switch and the secondary switch. The secondary switch, meanwhile, is still linked to three more devices in addition to the main switch.
Since it has a picture of what it is, this is a visual simulation of the LAN router just as it would be if you were to use one physically. The router may be navigated, configured, and you can select the desired type. The CLI, or IOS Command Line Interface, is what I believe I employed during our activity the most effectively. It was excellent. It was ideal for establishing and setting up switches and routers.
Our professor only provided a few examples of how to correctly create a topology and other things during our activity. Therefore, we will choose the topology type and the number of connected devices. As for me, I'll use PC01 as my example; as you can see, all the ports to the PC that have access will be displayed. One thing I observed is that there is a succinct, helpful explanation of the function of any module component if you click on it. Undoubtedly, it makes it simpler for the user to navigate.
On a desktop or PC, there are numerous options available for a user to navigate and fully control. You can enter the desired information and set up each choice whichever you like. In recent days, I've looked into the IP Configuration, Terminal, and Command Prompt. Consequently, I haven't inspected the others and am currently learning the appropriate inputs or commands for each of them. A bad command will result in a bad output and will cause networking issues.
You may set up this example IP configuration using a command prompt. At the command prompt, whatever you modify will also be reflected in the IP configuration. You essentially have two options here: DHCP or Static. Nevertheless, since it was necessary for the task I was working on, I would use DHCP. Depending on the command you enter into the main switch, the IPv4 address will change.
We were instructed to use the ping command to see if my activity had succeeded before it was completed. So, what is the principal reason for using the ping command? The software tool ping is used in the Cisco Packet Tracer to check whether a host is reachable on a network. A network engineer must be familiar with how ping functions in actual networks. A series of ICMP echo request packets are sent to the chosen host as part of the ping command. One of the simplest and most popular troubleshooting tools is this one. When you are in privileged EXEC mode and omit the host from the command line, the router prompts you for the remaining information.
Cisco Packet Tracer's primary goal is to give customers a virtual simulation environment where they may access and operate the networking system completely without the need for actual hardware such as routers and switches. It offers a practical exercise to hone one's aptitude for setting up, troubleshooting, and designing a variety of networks and models. As a result, it consolidates a complex model into a single view, making it easier to administer.